Exceeding 40 is no shadow streak. We still have so many plans and dreams. We can make them all real, you just need to be aware of your body, take care of its needs and … trust medicine. In order to enjoy good he alth for a long time, it is necessary to undergo preventive examinations.

Are you over 40? Time forbalance sheet of 40-year-olds . Here is yourmedical checkup- be sure to dopreventive examinations . Although most women at this age do not complain about he alth problems yet, it is high time to take care of prophylaxis. This way you will give yourself a longer and he althier life. With age, the risk of developing many diseases increases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer. The problem is that they develop insidiously, without causing any discomfort for many years. And when these do appear, it turns out that the disease is already advanced and - at best - you need to take medication on a regular basis. And yet it can be avoided - you only need to systematically test yourself. Thanks to this, you can track any disturbing changes in time and effectively treat them. If you haven't paid attention to preventive examinations so far, check your he alth regularly after your 40th birthday. We advise you what research should be permanently included in your calendar. Do not underestimate them, because in this case the following rule applies: prevention is better than cure.

General medical examination

Begin your he alth check with this test. The general practitioner will auscultate you with a stethoscope, measure your blood pressure, ask about your lifestyle, past illnesses, hospital stays, and family conditions. Thanks to this, it will be able to detect risk factors of civilization diseases. If in doubt, he or she will refer you to specialist examinations. Go for checkups every 1-2 years.

Basic research in your forties

  • Morphology, OB

A blood test is usually the basis for assessing your he alth. For example, an abnormal result may signal anemia or confirm an infection. You should do the test once a year.

  • Lipid profile

It allows you to assess the body fat balance. Such a test should be performed every 2-3 years. However, if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, you smokeor you use hormonal contraception, do it more often.

  • Sugar level

Testing the blood glucose level allows you to assess the risk of diabetes. Perform the test every 3 years. If you are at increased risk - you have a family member with diabetes, have had gestational diabetes or have had a baby weighing more than 4.5 kg, are overweight, have arterial hypertension - perform the test every year.

  • Thyroid hormone concentration

Their level is worth checking when you have fluctuations in weight, are overactive and nervous, or constantly tired and sleepy, constantly cold or hot. Such symptoms may indicate disturbances in the work of this gland.

  • Liver tests

Testing of liver enzymes in the blood enables the assessment of liver function. The test allows to detect, among others chronic inflammation of this organ, steatosis or liver damage with drugs. It's worth doing them every few years.

  • Urine general examination

It is helpful in diagnosing diseases of the kidneys, liver and urinary tract. It also allows you to assess the predisposition to stone formation and facilitate the diagnosis of diabetes and jaundice. You should do the test once a year.

Gastrointestinal examination

  • Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity

It enables the assessment of organs located in the abdomen (including liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts) and capturing even small changes, which allows for early treatment. After 40, do the test every 3 years.

  • Gastroscopy

This is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, helpful in the diagnosis of esophagitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. During gastroscopy, samples can be taken for examination, and a test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (the bacterium responsible for the formation of ulcers) can be performed. If you have frequent stomach problems or heartburn, repeat the test every 3 years.

  • Stool test for occult blood

Allows early detection of colorectal cancer. After 40, you should do the test every year (you can also buy a test at a pharmacy and do it yourself).

  • Rectal Examination

They are performed by a gynecologist or internist. It involves inserting a finger into the anus and checking the intestine for polyps or hemorrhoids that may cause colon cancer. The test must be repeated once a year.

  • Colonoscopy

This is an examination of the large intestine to see its inside. Prophylactic colonoscopy should be performed afterreaching the age of 50. However, in people with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyposis of the colon, regular examinations should be started in their forties and repeated every 5 years.

Examination of the heart and circulatory system

  • EKG

The electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart. It allows you to assess the rhythm and frequency of the heartbeat, and allows you to detect damage to the heart muscle in people who have had a heart attack. The size of the heart chambers can also be assessed on the basis of the ECG recording. The test should be performed every 2 years.

  • Pressure measurement

This is a necessary test to detect arterial hypertension in time, which is the cause of, among others, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. The risk of developing high blood pressure is increased especially by overweight, smoking and a diet rich in s alt. After 40, blood pressure values ​​may also fluctuate due to rapid hormonal changes, so you should measure your blood pressure at least once a year when you see your doctor. You can also take measurements yourself using the blood pressure monitor.

Lung screening in your forties

  • Chest X-ray

It is helpful in recognizing, inter alia, pneumonia, emphysema, tuberculosis, lung cancer, as well as heart disease, it also allows you to detect changes in the surrounding lymph nodes. You should do this test every 2 years. However, if you smoke cigarettes, do a chest X-ray once a year.

  • Spirometry

Measures respiratory efficiency, allows you to assess the condition of the respiratory tract and lungs. This test is necessary for the diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If the result is good, repeat the test every few years. But if you smoke, you should do spirometry once a year.

Gynecological examinations after 40

  • General gynecological examination

It serves to check the condition of the reproductive organs, and during the visit, the gynecologist examines the breasts, asks, among others, o regularity of the menstrual cycle, ailments, diseases. When in doubt, he or she refers to more detailed research. Report to the inspection once a year.

  • Cytology

This test allows to detect not only cervical inflammation, but also early neoplastic changes, when they are curable and do not pose a lethal threat. If the previous results were normal, repeat the cytology every 1.5-2 years, and in case of disturbing changes - as recommended by your doctor.

  • Transvaginal ultrasound

Detects any changes in the uterus (e.g. fibroids, polyps) and ovaries (e.g. cysts). Do them every 2 years. But if someone in your family has had ovarian cancer, get yourself checked every year.

  • Breast ultrasound

This is one of the tests to detect breast cancer at an early stage. The condition of the breasts is checked with ultrasound. You should do this test once a year. However, if you have hereditary breast cancer, you started your menstruation early or you had your first baby late - do an ultrasound every six months.

  • Mammography

It consists in x-raying the breast with a small dose of X-rays. This test is recommended for women over 45 years of age, because their breasts are mainly made of adipose tissue (the glandular tissue is atrophied), and the x-rays in this tissue better visualize any changes in the breasts. However, if you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, do your first mammogram in your forties and repeat it every 2 years.

Research that you shouldn't forget

  • Ophthalmological examination

After the age of 40, besides a routine examination, the intraocular pressure should also be measured. This will allow the early detection of an insidious eye disease - glaucoma, which leads to blindness. Repeat the test every 2 years. Don't forget to visit your ophthalmologist, especially if you suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • Hearing test

They are performed by an ENT specialist who says the words sometimes louder, sometimes softer. If he decides that you have poor hearing, he will refer you to audiometry - a test using a device emitting sounds of different frequency and volume. Hearing deterioration often occurs with age, so visit an ENT specialist every 3 years after you are 40.

  • Examination of birthmarks

Don't neglect your dermatologist's appointments - get a close inspection of your skin and moles to assess the risk of skin cancer. Don't underestimate this study, especially if you have multiple moles, someone in your family has had skin cancer, and you have fair skin and blonde hair. Visit a dermatologist at least once every 2 years.

  • Densitometry

It is a bone density test that allows you to detect adverse changes in the bone structure and assess the risk of osteoporosis. It consists of x-rays of the spine, hips, heels or bones of the forearms with X-rays. Remember that early onset of osteoporosis can be reversible, so in your fortiesdo the first test and repeat it every year after the age of 45.

  • Dental check-up

You should visit your dentist twice a year to remove tartar, treat any cavities and periodontal diseases. Remember that untreated teeth are the focus of infection for the entire body.

Use preventive programs

If you have he alth insurance, you can take advantage of research under preventive programs financed by the National He alth Fund. Tests can be performed in clinics that have signed a contract with the National He alth Fund. And you don't need a doctor's referral! Lists of institutions running preventive programs are available in each branch of the National He alth Fund. What programs can you use at your age?

  • Cervical cancer prevention program - addressed to women who have not had a smear test in the last 3 years.
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention program - for people with risk factors (e.g. smoking, arterial hypertension, lipid metabolism disorders, overweight) who have not used the program in the last 5 years.
  • Early Glaucoma Detection - a program for people who have not been diagnosed for glaucoma in the last 2 years.
  • Tobacco-related disease prevention program - for smokers who have not had a spirometry test in the last 3 years.
Important

A decline in form may indicate an illness

Are you still tired and sleepy, do you have low energy? There can be many reasons for feeling unwell. It is usually the result of being overworked or not getting enough sleep. It may also be a monotonous diet, poor in vitamins and minerals, or prolonged stress that drains your energy day after day. However, a decline in fitness may also signal he alth problems - this is how anemia, diabetes, hypotension (low blood pressure), thyroid disorders appear. The feeling of weakness also accompanies hepatitis C or kidney failure. Therefore, be vigilant! If your discomfort persists for a long time, do not underestimate it, but be sure to see a doctor. They will order some basic tests to help you check your he alth. If there is anything wrong, your doctor will start treatment. If the results are normal, try to regulate your lifestyle. Eat varied, he althy meals at fixed times, ensure a comfortable and long sleep, do not take work home - let it be your oasis of peace. Set aside some time just for yourself each day. Then take care of what gives you the greatest pleasure. Start alsosystematically move - it can be walks, bike rides, swimming or fitness classes. Thanks to this, you will not only improve your condition and give yourself vigor, but also help you relieve problems.

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